Rev up 4G development: Hon Hai VP

Staff writer, with CNA

Tue, Oct 22, 2013 - Page 13

Taiwan should strive to catch up and even take the lead in 4G mobile communication systems, an executive vice president of the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer said yesterday.

Lu Fang-ming (呂芳銘) of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (鴻海精密) said that while Taiwan is building a national information superhighway, 4G technology can serve as an important foundation for competitiveness.

Lu was speaking at the two-day Cross-Strait Communications Industry and Technical Standards Forum in New Taipei City’s (新北市) Tamsui District (淡水).

Hon Hai announced earlier this year that it has submitted an application for a 4G spectrum license.

He said the company would provide consumers with an environment with a variety of fixed network and wireless communication systems and innovative services.

Building a national information superhighway through 4G will be good for the country by increasing Taiwan’s international competitiveness, Lu said, adding that he hopes Taiwan’s netcom services can be improved through the introduction of technology policies, and the development of new technologies and products.

On the development of 4G, Lu said Taiwan needs a solid foundation for building a national information superhighway capable of transferring all types of digital information at high speed, including voice, text, images, data and high resolution video.

Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Woody Duh (杜紫軍) said at the same forum that Taiwan and China should collaborate on establishing standards for 5G mobile networks to enhance the industry’s international competitiveness.

Duh said 5G mobile networks would transform mobile services and lifestyles, and benefit the industry.

He estimated that 5G standards would be finalized in the next eight to 10 years and predicted that if the standards are ready by 2020, the global production value of the 5G sector could reach US$61 billion in 2021 and grow to US$300 billion in 2025.

Duh said Taiwan and China should pursue joint planning, development, operations and management of 5G mobile standards and share in the benefits.

Aside from communication industry standards, the forum is also focusing on cooperation in the cloud computing and LED lighting industries, and the implementation of LED lighting standards, event organizers said.

The two sides are expected to sign an agreement on cooperation in setting standards for LED street lighting and lamps at the two-day forum.